What is a fixed-price renovation contract?

A fixed-price renovation contract sets the total cost before work begins, giving you budget certainty. It includes a detailed breakdown of materials, labour, and subcontractors.

What is a charge-up renovation contract?

A charge-up (cost-plus) contract is based on actual costs plus a builder's margin. The final price can increase as the project progresses, leading to potential cost overruns.

Which contract type is better for Auckland renovations?

For homeowners wanting budget certainty and clear timelines, fixed-price contracts are usually better. Charge-up contracts offer flexibility but can lead to higher final costs.

8 Top Summer Home Maintenance Tasks for Your Early 1900s Bungalow

18 Dec

Written By Rob McIntyre

Q: Now that the warmer weather is here, what should I be doing to maintain my early 1900’s bungalow?

A: Summer is a great time to do maintenance. This will keep your home in good shape and add value.

With a bungalow from the early 1900s, regular maintenance is very important. This helps your home keep its original features and charm. Here are my eight top summer maintenance tasks.

Wash the Exterior and Windows

Wash the exterior and windows of your home. Mould and moss on dirty roofs and decks look bad from the street. They can also cause other problems and shorten your home's lifespan. Pressure washing can harm your home and cause costly repairs.

Soft washing is a safe and eco-friendly choice. It is biodegradable and can improve your home's appearance. Soft washing can also help save energy and make your home last longer.

Check Roof Spaces and Underfloor Areas

Check the roof space, and any space between the ground and your home. You want to be checking for any pests, water leakage and daylight poking through.

Spray for Insects

Spray for spiders, ants, cockroaches and other creepy crawlers. This will eliminate damage caused by insects, as well keep it free from any unwanted visitors.

Check Silicone Seals in Wet Areas

Check the silicone joins in your bathroom and kitchen. A well maintained silicone seal means that your cabinetry, tiles, sinks and benchtops are easier to clean and are less prone to water damage and discolouration. If you find any gaps, there are plenty of tutorials available on YouTube to help you replace the silicone.

Detect Shower and Bath Leaks

Have you checked to see if your shower / bath is leaking? If left to leak, you may end up with rotten flooring. Tell-tale signs of a leaking shower or bath is excessive mould. Follow these easy steps to see if your shower or bath is leaking :

Place several strips of duct tape over the drain. The tape should be about as wide a paper plate. Cover the drain entirely and make it as watertight as possible.
Fill the shower pan/bath with water. Pour enough water from a bucket or another source. Make the standing water about three centimeters deep. You don’t want to use the shower / bath tap because you want to know if the leak is coming from the tap or the pan / bath.
Look for water around the base of the shower pan / bath. You may need to remove carpeting or look for pooling beyond the tile. Go to the floor below, into the basement or into crawl space to see whether there is any evidence of water.

You should also check to see if there are any leaks in the silicone in your shower’s wall channels. You can simply point the shower head at the wall channels and check for leaks.

Inspect Timber Joinery for Rot

Since you own a home built in the early 1900s, it is important to check your outside wood joints for rot. Rotten timber joinery can mean that your home is not watertight, or secure from burglary. If your joinery is not good, our sister company, Next Level Joinery, can help. They will help you decide whether to repair or replace it.

Clear Blocked Gutters

Keeping your gutters clean is a simple job that can help prevent problems like blocked downpipes and rainwater leaking into your ceiling cavity. Dry leaf litter can be a fire hazard, be sure to clear all it out.

Inspect Chimney Brickwork

If your home still has the original chimney, it is worth inspecting the brick work for any cracks or damage. This will ensure it stays watertight, and maintains its original character. Leave cleaning your chimney to a professional because they have the tools to ensure they do it safely.

My advice is to try and stay on top of home maintenance; your pocket will thank you.

About the Author

Brendon Sowerby is the Founder of Next Level Construct, an award-winning end-to-end residential construction company specialising in renovations, extensions and new builds. Brendon has worked in the building trade for over 17 years, meaning he knows the ins and outs of the industry.

Got a building question? Ask Brendon on brendon@nextlevelconstruct.co.nz

Rob McIntyre